Graduate Jobs

To find a job UK, search for companies that offer graduate schemes. Some of the world’s largest companies offer highly competitive graduate leadership programmes. Participants earn a decent salary, gain professional experience, and can avail the opportunity to develop skills and gain knowledge. Programmes are available in most sectors, and typically last one or two years with the possibility of permanent employment if there’s a job vacancy available at the end. Around 50% of graduate development programmes are normally open to students of any discipline, yet most demand that applicants have achieved at least a 2:1 or higher at undergraduate level.

These graduate schemes are hard work in terms of the investment of time and money on businesses’ part, therefore they would expect your commitment in return. Under such schemes, graduates are expected to work in areas of the organisation such as HR, finance, marketing and management. You may also work in different locations across the UK, or even overseas. Training in areas including law and management is often accredited by a relevant professional association such as CIPD and others.

The assessment and interviews are conducted once the application is received and is successful. Apply as soon as possible as there are limited vacancies are available. Be ready for a number of assessments such as competency based interviews and psychometric testing.

Internships

These are an increasingly common way for students to gain work experience. They will last between one week and one year, and in certain cases will lead to permanent jobs.

Internships are worth considering if you want to:

boost your CV;

network with industry professionals;

have an experience edge when job hunting;

find out that a particular career is right for you;

gain valuable skills and experience in your chosen field.

Internship opportunities are normally available in a number of different sectors such as:

media and communications

arts and design;

HR and management;

Sales;

marketing and advertising.

Agencies might help with your job hunt, connecting those seeking work with potential employers. Many employers recruit only through agencies, meaning that registering with recruitment agencies gives you access to job vacancies not advertised elsewhere. Businesses require recruitment consultants to refer candidates with relevant skills and qualifications.

Specialist job agencies often have a good knowledge of their respective industry. What’s more, these agencies can analyse and develop your skill set, provide advice to boost your application, and prepare you for interviews. Recruitment agencies are also well connected and closely work with employers to find suitable candidates.

To find a job UK with employers who offer Graduate schemes, use following resources:

on social media;

through professional bodies;

at university’s work and careers service; and

in publications such as The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.

Be proactive and sending your CV to various employers will help to find a job.

Find a Job UK with Networking

Many job vacancies are not formally advertised, so networking is one of the best ways you can hear about such job opportunities and apply. Start with family members, close friends and work colleagues, but you can build a broad network of professional contacts through job fairs and workshops. Professional networks such as LinkedIn can provide job leads, refer you to employers with a job vacancy, and offer advice and guidance.

Try and approach people, start conversations, do not hesitate to ask questions regarding potential job opportunities that they might be aware of, just having such conversations with others can lead to relevant potential job opportunities. Try to contact prospective employers for job vacancies before they post on job boards, alter your CV and covering letter to present the most relevant skills. Keep in contact, perhaps even asking whether they can recommend you to anyone else if full-time work isn’t available. Referral will increase your probability of being interviewed and securing a job.

Job Seekers and employed people are more and more being contacted by recruiters because of their social media presence, thus use LinkedIn and Twitter to your advantage. Use the same username and image, and reference alternative platforms that you are utilizing professionally to link them. Be part of relevant LinkedIn networks to get connected in discussions, and keep adding contacts to grow your network.

Freelancers

In recent years, self employment and freelancing has increasingly been a preferred choice for many professionals over employment for several reasons such flexibility. There are a number of particular sectors where there is a high demand for self employed people.